Remembering Knox. . .

An Anderson picture often makes me smile and feel some sadness at the same time. There's always one missing. Here, it's Creed. Oh, how I grieve that he must wait a lifetime to meet his brother. There's a space between Jack and Creed that now, only Jesus can fill. I know Knox is in a better place, but I miss him and feel sadness for his family who misses him more than I.


This is how I remember Knox. It's Easter. He's holding onto a treasured egg he's found and he's got his sippy cup in hand just in case he gets thirsty. He's content. He's got his green paci and he's wearing his crocs. I can't tell it from this pic, but his nose is probably running too.


And if I had to pick a favorite picture of him, this would definitely make the top 5. It was taken that Wednesday, before THAT Friday. He's really happy. That was a lovely morning.


It's hard to believe these April days are upon us again. I'm sorry Jon and Rachel, Anne Michal, Elizabeth, Emma, Jack and Creed. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. . .and even more so during these 10 days. I love you.

Pottytraining--Day 3



Rachel told me it could be done in 3 days. I didn't believe her. But there's proof in the pudding, as the saying goes. Asa went all day without an accident; however, each time he went it was on my initiative and not his own. Either way, I think the most difficult part is over--at least I hope it is--and we have made the switch from diapers to big boy underwear.

On a side note, we're going to continue with the pullups at night for a bit; although, he could probably just go ahead a switch there too because most mornings he wakes up dry. I just want to give him a little more time since waking up wet, I'm sure, is no fun.

Way to go Asa. I'm so proud of you. Aunt Mar and Mrs. Rachel knew you could do it. :)

Day 2--Pottytraining



Well, we had to change clothes 4 times today, but that doesn't necessarily mean things went badly. He woke up in the morning with a dry pullup and then went to the potty. Success #1! Yea!!!

Then, later I suggested he go again and he did, but his aim was a little off and so he still got his britches wet. I count that a success even though we had to change his clothes.

Then as I was schooling in the afternoon, he had an accident. I had asked him if he needed to go. He said, "No," but then went and hid behind the couch. That took the wind out of my sails a bit, but that's how it goes sometimes.

Later as I was putting clothes in the dryer, I heard him run in the back door yelling, "I gotta go poopy! I gotta go poopy!" Everything made it into the toilet. That was great!!!

Then he had another experience where his aim was off and his pants weren't down far enough, but he was at the toilet when it happened, so I count that as a plus.

Lastly, we were at a volleyball game and he started to have an accident and stopped mid-stream and said, "I gotta go. I gotta go." We ran to the bathroom and he finished in the potty.

All-in-all a very good Day 2. Thanks for the encouragement Marian and Ashlee. Thanks for the prayers Rachel. I need them so I don't lose my head. On to Day 3.

Day 1 of Pottytraining--Not a complete success, but not a total failure either!



He went once on his own innitiative, once on my innitiative and only 2 accidents. Uh oh, better make that 3. Oh well. Not too bad for our first go of it. We'll see how it goes tomorrow. I'll let you know.

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR DOG?






Sugar went missing last week and she still has not returned. I'm posting a picture so that all of you can keep an eye out for her too. She is sorely missed by all of us. She's a honey-colored lab/terrier mix: honey-colored on top with white shoulder blades and white underneath. She was wearing a purple collar decorated with white bones.

Hannahology




This is the latest "Tag" floating around Facebook. It's a bunch of questions that I asked each of my children about me. Some of their answers really made me laugh, so I thought I'd post them here too. I asked them each separately so they wouldn't copy each other's answers. It was a lot of fun to do, but it did take a while to get through it all with each of them. Therefore, I'm not tagging anyone. But feel free to take it on, if you so desire.

Here is how I labeled each one:
A1-Austin, 12
A2-Addison, 10
A3-Anna-Kate, 8
A4-Ayden, 6
A5-Asa, 3

1. What is something mom always says to you?
A1: that she loves me.
A2: I love you.
A3: I love you.
A4: Let's go do your phonics.
A5: I love you.

2. What makes mom happy?
A1: chocolate, I guess
A2: daddy
A3: when we are nice to each other
A4: when I give her something
A5: being nice

3. What makes mom sad?
A1: Knox
A2: Not taking me to Disneyland with her and daddy
A3: Not seeing daddy
A4: When I yell at my brothers and my sister
A5: I don't know

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
A1: by tickling me
A2: tickle me
A3: when she tickles me
A4: tickling me
A5: tickling

5. What was your mom like as a child?
A1: cheerleader
A2: I don't know
A3: I'm not sure
A4: I have no idea
A5: apples

6. How old is your mom?
A1: 40
A2: 39 or 40
A3: 40
A4: 14
A5: I don't know, 5!!

7. How tall is your mom?
A1: 5'5"
A2: 5' 6" or something like that
A3: 5'5"
A4: 5 feet
A5: like that tall (as he puts his hand up to my shoulder)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
A1: get Sonic drinks
A2: Put us to bed everynight
A3: see dad
A4: tickle me
A5: clean

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
A1: laundry or dishes
A2: go on a date with daddy
A3: Well, I'm not sure, cuz I'm not around when you do it.
A4: clean
A5: I don't know

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
A1: being the best cook
A2: singing
A3: cooking
A4: singing
A5: Ayden knows that, but I don't.

11. What is your mom really good at?
A1: making pumpkin pie cake
A2: Wii bowling
A3: singing
A4: cleaning
A5: Forcing (As in using the force)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
A1: video games
A2: Wii baseball
A3: I can't think of anything
A4: nothing
A5: Ugh, I forgot!

13. What does your mom do for a job?
A1: teacher and mom
A2: stay at home and take care of everybody
A3: take care of us
A4: cleaning
A5: I don't know. Can I be done now?

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
A1: salad and mashed potatoes
A2: Moose Tracks ice cream
A3: Moose Tracks ice cream
A4: salad
A5: macaronies

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
A1: that she could do a lot of tricks (like gymnastics).
A2: that she takes care of us
A3: that she makes dinner for us
A4: when she takes me on my date day
A5: she loves me

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
A1: Betty Boop
A2: Fineas and Pherb's mom
A3: Hannah Banana
A4: Super Hannah
A5: I don't know

17. What do you and your mom do together?
A1: play Boggle
A2: play wii or watch movies
A3: go on dates
A4: do school
A5: go to church

18. How are you and your mom the same?
A1: We both like mashed potatoes.
A2: We both like to play Wii bowling.
A3: We're both girls.
A4: We're not the same.
A5: I don't know.

19. How are you and your mom different?
A1: She wears contacts. I don't.
A2: I'm not very ticklish. She is.
A3: She's taller than I am.
A4: I'm a boy. She's a girl.
A5: I don't know.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
A1: Because she tells me.
A2: Because she tells me everyday and she puts me to bed every night.
A3: Because she takes care of me.
A4: Because she prays for me.
A5: by loving me.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
A1: That he loves her.
A2: Everything.
A3: That he's there when you need him.
A4: that she gets to sleep with him (hmmm)
A5: tickles!

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
A1: Sonic
A2: the Colemans
A3: Cheddars
A4: home
A5: to get icecream

A Cara Beth Funny

"Eeny meeny miney moe. Fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and hollered. Just let him go. Eeny meeny miney moe!"

Fun at Co-op

While at Co-op, Asa, Cara Beth and Jacob can't wait until Mrs. Julie comes. Because with Mrs. Julie always comes fun usually in the form of going outside and blowing bubbles or playing hide-n-seek in the room. Here, Asa and Cara Beth get as creative as they can while playing hide-n-seek in the nursery. . .Asa's in the bucket. Cara Beth is behind the ball. They are too cute.

JUST BECAUSE

17 Years and Counting. . .

Tomorrow marks mine and Kevin's 17th year of being married. It really doesn't seem like that long ago that we got hitched. Here are 17 reasons why I love him so:

1. He points me to Jesus.

2. He holds my hand in public.

3. Wherever we go, he sits in the seat that faces the door.

4. He opens the door for me still.

5. He delights in the delights of our children.

6. He lets me wear his big coat when it's really cold outside.

7. He tickles me even when I'm yelling for him to stop.

8. He plays video games with the kids.

9. He remembers my birthday.

10. He tells me secrets.

11. He keeps my secrets.

12. He holds my hand in private.

13. He loves his parents.

14. He loves my parents.

15. He does the Caddyshack gopher dance for my eyes only.

16. He's athletic.



17. He covers me in prayer before he leaves for work each day.

This list of 17 was so much easier to come up with than the previous one. I could go on and on, but then what would I do next year? Happy Anniversary Baby. I love you with all my heart.

Tagged Again!

This is probably the easiest way to get me to post something new. This time I was tagged by my sister, Sarah, who wants me to tell 17 random things about myself. Are you kidding me? Seventeen? Really? OK, but I'm not sure I can come up with 17 things you guys don't already know. Here goes. . .

1. If Austin had been a girl, his name would have been "Marian Talley". Talley is my mom's maiden name. And if Asa had been a girl, his name would have been "Alyvia LaNae". "Alyvia" because it was a name we both liked that we could spell with an "A". I can't remember the meaning now, but I know I liked it. LaNae is my niece, Hannah's, middle name.

2. When I see families with more children than we have and they seem happy and well-adjusted, I get jealous and wish we had more children.

3. If I know you and your children, I have most-likely prayed Psalm 119:133 for your kids, that God would direct their footsteps according to His word and let no sin rule over them.

4. I love to play Trivial Pursuit with Kevin, Boggle with my children, Apples to Apples with friends, and Freecell by myself.

5. My dream house would be shaped like a donut, with space for both sets of grandparents, a swimming pool and a full-size basketball court.

6. I told Asa that as soon as he started going to the bathroom on his own, that he could start spending the night with Aunt Marian with his siblings. He thought about that and while we were visiting Kevin at Best Buy, he said he had to go. I took him, he went "poopy in the potty" (sorry) and then proudly proclaimed, "I get to spend the night with Aunt Mar!" He hasn't done it since.

7. Cara Beth shares a birthday with Mark Martin, Kevin's favorite NASCAR driver. (OK, mine too.) Austin shares a birthday with Sterling Marlin and Aun Oui (Aunt Wyndi, my sister) shares a birthday with Jeff Burton, also NASCAR drivers. Austin knew these off the top of his head. He's trying to help me, because I'm still flabberghasted that I have to come up with SEVENTEEEN things. . .

8. I love being in church and then looking over and seeing that Kevin has arrived. He works on Sundays and he tries to take his lunch so that he can be there in time for the sermon, or most of it anyway.

9. Kevin grew up on Mountain View Avenue. I grew up on Monta Vista Drive, which means Mountain View. ;)

10. Kevin and I got a dog once when had been married about 2 years. Her name was Sugar, too (the name of our current pet/dog). We had her about a week, but I couldn't handle her. She was a 6-month old German Shepherd puppy and she was WI-LD. We must have looked very unsure when we bought her because the owners told us that if it didn't work out, we could bring her back. We took her back.

11. I have had 4 near-death experiences: a) I fell out of a moving car and into the street (half-way in the street & half-way in the Shop-a-Minute parking lot) when I was in second grade. Thankfully there was no oncoming traffic. Kids at school thought I had been beaten up. b) I had a hernia that almost ruptured and had to have emergency surgery to repair it (while in college). c) My first pregnancy was a tubal pregnancy that exploded in my right fallopian tube. Another emergency surgery followed. d) I got a blood clot in my left leg that ran from my groin to my ankle while pregnant with Anna-Kate. Spent 8 days in the hospital and 6 weeks on bed rest.

12. All semester, my kids have been praying that it would snow this winter and that it would snow enough that they would be able to play in it and enjoy it. This morning, God gave them the answer they were hoping for. We got snow and they played and played and played. Thank You LORD for Your great love for us.



13. I have pretty terrific in-laws. I remember visiting them when we had 3 kids, ages 1, 3, and 5 and going into their immaculate home thinking, "Our children are going to break something or mess something up." They have a beautiful home and I was so worried about us taking our young 'uns into their "fragile" abode, but Papaw must have read the stress on my face because he instantly told me not to worry about anything in the house. He said they didn't have one thing in their home that was more important to them than their grand children. He said the kids could pick up anything in the house they wanted and if they broke it, he'd clean it up. Simple as that. When we visited again, this time with 5 children in-tow, the rules were still the same--the children were way more important than the things. I LOVE my in-laws and so appreciate them, even more than I can say. I wish we saw them more.

14. I watch Law & Order as I'm falling asleep just about every night. It doesn't matter which one, I enjoy all three: the original, SVU and Criminal Intent.

15. I tend to be anemic and thus you will often find me chewing on ice. When I remember to take my iron for a long enough period of time (so that it builds up in my system), the desire for ice goes completely away.

16. Although it was nice to have the snow today, I'm glad that, by Friday, the temperature will be back into the 70s.

17. I miss my husband. He works ALOT this time of year. I miss him.

I've been tagged by my sweet friend, Kierstyn over at "Party of Five" (I'd link it here, but don't know how. You can find her on the list at the right.) She says I love to talk about Kevin. She's right. So here ya go. . .


Everything you might want to know about my husband:




1. Where did you meet? He says we met at my sister, Wyndi's wedding. He went with his then girlfriend who was friends with Wyndi. I have no recollection of that meeting. I remember meeting him the first week of my freshman year at King.

2. How long did you date? We dated my freshman year and half of my sophomore year in college. We broke up for 2 1/2 years and then got back together in the summer of 1991. We married 6 months later, after I graduated. I feel like I've loved him almost from the first moment I laid eyes on him.

3. How long have you been married? 17 years in December.

4. What does he say that surprises you? Out of the blue sometimes he winks at me. I love it when he winks at me.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? Hmmmm, there is so much about him that I'm attracted to, but I'll go with his height.

6. What is your favorite quality of his? He makes me feel safe and loved.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? H

8. What is his favorite color? Old gold and Blue (WV colors)

9. What is his favorite food? pizza--pumpkin pie cake

10. What is his favorite sport? college ball or little league ball

11. When and where did you first kiss? I think it was outside my dorm

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? be together

13. Do you have any children? Five: Austin, Add, Anna-Kate, Ayden & Asa

14. Does he have a hidden talent? He has great aim. I tell him all the time that he missed his calling as a pro football quarterback. Oh, and he can pick any lock.

15. How old is he? 40

16. Who said "I love you" first? He did.

17. What is his favorite type of music? He likes all music, except pop.

18. What do you most admire about him? I love that he is dependable and works hard and diligently.

19. Do you think he will read this? Maybe, if he gets around to it after reading ESPN news and Matt's blog.

20. Where did you go on your first date? Probably the dam in Bristol--we used to go there a lot to throw frisbees and hang out with friends. Either there, or the Bonfire restaurant.

I tag Marian, Ashlee, Rachel, Beth, Janelle, and Jamison.

We have a new reader in the house!

Ayden read his first book today! He did such a great job and I am so proud of him. This reading business has come fairly easily for him and each day he faces his phonics with an upbeat attitude and a smile. Good job Ayden! You are an amazing child.

I know it would probably be more appropriate to have a picture of him actually reading a book here, but I don't have a camera handy, so here's one of him at the reformation party at church:


And just because it's so cute, here he is with his good buddy, Jack:

CONGRATULATIONS Matt & Ashlee & Gracie Mae!!!!

Welcome Thomas Jackson! We are so thankful that you made a safe arrival. Many, many prayers have already been prayed on your behalf, sweet boy, and more will only follow. I cried when your dad and mom both told me how cute you are and that you weighed over 8 pounds. Amazing! Your mom worked hard through the night and you finally made your appearance just after 5:00 this morning. What a blessing you are. . .a true gift from God. I cannot wait to meet you and whisper in your ear that Jesus loves you. I love you too little Jackson. See ya soon.

Pumpkin Fun

It is a tradition in our family to decorate pumpkins around this time of year. In the past we've had pumpkins that resembled a clown and a snowman, Bob the Tomato, Batman, and R2D2. We've seen a ghord turn into a pirate ship, a bird's nest and football helmets. Once there was even a working gumball machine as well as an exploding volcano. One of my favorites was a very cute porcupine and there happened to be a fluffy-cotton bunny rabbit that year too. Today we got together with the Colemans (I know, shocker!) and had a little creative fun again. This has always been one of my favorite things we do together and today proved to be no different. Enjoy. . .

We did a spider pumpkin.


Here's a peek at the Coleman's pumpkins. Can you guess who they did?


That's right. . .Bert & Ernie!


Here are all 3 pumpkins together.


And, of course, it wouldn't be complete without a picture of everyone together.

Celebrating AND Grieving



Our church family is celebrating AND grieving today. We celebrate the life of a boy given to us, Matthew Knox Anderson, and grieve because he was taken from us at such a tender age. Today he would be 3. Oh how I miss him! He was always a joy and that is how we cling to him and remember him in our hearts. But the pain and sting of death still hurt and so sorrow and sadness remain our companion. I have learned through this tragedy that even as Christians, we suffer. Albeit, we do not suffer alone, but it still aches, still burns and quite frankly, still makes me want to vomit. But we love him still and it is because we love him so much that the wound goes so deeply.

I love you Anderson Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers today and everyday.

School Pictures

As most of you already know, I happen to be related to a fantastic photographer who also just happens to look an awful lot like me. OK, she looks exactly like me. Anyway, every year she gives generously of her talent and her time to me and to sooo many others so that we can have fabulous school pictures of our kids. Here are a few she took recently. Thanks Marian. You're the best!

Austin--12 years old

Addison--10 years old

Anna-Kate--8 years old

Ayden--6 years old

Asa--3 years old


She also took some of the five of them together. . .







And then I jumped in for a few. . .







And we had a little fun while we were at it. . .







Thanks again Mar! I love you!

Proverbs 31's Wife of Noble Character

Whenever I read Proberbs 31, it's easy for me to see all the places I fail to measure up. For instance, I have never "considered a field and bought it" nor have I "planted a vineyard out of my earnings". All the members of our household are not "clothed in scarlet" and I have never "made a covering for my bed". But recently as I read Proverbs 31, my spirit felt convicted as I felt like the LORD showed me something I could do. Three verses jumped out at me, starting with verse 25. It reads:

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom;
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

The part I want to speak to here is at the end of verse 27, "and does not eat the bread of idleness." Whenever I have read this verse in the past, I took it to mean that I needed to keep myself busy while at home, i.e. dishes, laundry, etc. But I saw something a little different as I read it this time.

I think it's interesting that the author used the word "bread" here. Bread and breaking bread were very significant parts of Jesus' ministry. Often when He preached and taught people, it was while He was sharing a meal with them. Thus, He ministered while eating.

How does that translate into my life? Let's see. . . In the morning, I wake all my kids up and they come into the kitchen and have breakfast. After everyone is settled, I usually sit down at the computer and check my favorite blogs, just while they are eating.

Then we head into the living room to start our school day. We begin with Bible, then Math, Spelling, Science, Phonics and whatever else we can fit in before 12:30. At that point, I head to the kitchen to put lunch together. I get everyone's lunch on the table and then I sit idly at the computer to check what might be new on facebook. My excuse is always, "I just need a minute to myself. I've been taking care of everyone else all morning and this is my break."

This is where that verse comes in, a wife of noble character "does not eat the bread of idleness." I felt as if the Spirit said to me, "Don't eat the bread of idleness; instead, eat the bread of relationship and communion with your children." I took that to mean, "Don't sit down at the computer and be 'idle' while your kids are eating. Eat with them. Break bread with them. It's what they need. It's what you need."

I resolved to give that a try. So for about 2 weeks now, after preparing breakfast and lunch for my children, I have fixed my meal also and have been sitting down at the table to "break bread" with them. In the beginning I thought it would drain me, but what I have come to find out is that it rejuvenates me. It is at the table that the kids open up and share what is going on in their lives. So even though I have been with them all morning, it hasn't been relational really, it has been more of a teacher/student type of communication. It is at the table when they laugh more freely and talk more openly when the pressure of school is off. (Well, duh!) I'm sorry it took me so long to figure this out, but thankful that God opened my eyes to my own sin and foolishness.

I want to tell you that this has changed my life for the better. I'm not saying I'll never miss another meal with my children, but I am saying, from now on, I will definitely be more intentional about eating the bread of relationship and communion with them and thus avoid one more way of eating the bread of idleness.

What's your favorite part of the day?


This is a question I ask each of my children either at dinner time or at bedtime. Tonight when I asked Asa what his favorite part of the day was, he matter-of-factly answered, "NOT going to the potty."

Kids say the Darndest Things


We were at Marian and Wade's last night and all the kids were playing and making up their own jokes. Micah comes over and says, "What am I? I have 100 eyes, 4 feet, 5 bodies, 10 ears and a mouth." And then, Christopher blurts out, "Ugly!"


To say that Micah was bummed that his brother stole his punch line would be an understatement. But that didn't stop him from giving it another go. . .

"OK Aunt Hannah. I have hair down to here (points to his shoulders). I'm wearing a Texas A & M shirt and sunglasses on my head. Who am I?"

I replied, "You're meee!"

He was very pleased that I had figured it out and that it had made me happy. Then Ayden stepped in and said he had one. . .

"My turn mama. OK, I have hair down to here (points to his shoulders) and I'm wearing a t-shirt and I have sunglasses on my head, but not those sunglasses (points to mine). My sunglasses are cool and they have style! Who am I?"



The punchline isn't near as funny, but in case you're still hangin' on for it, he said, "I'm a rock star!"